Obidient Movement to Umahi: Don’t associate Obi with IPOB; stop smear campaign

By Henry Umoru

The Obidient Movement has condemned, in very strong terms, moves by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to associate the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, ahead of the January 16, 2027 election, Peter Obi with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Obidient Movement has asked the former Ebonyi State governor to put a stop to what it described as the smear campaign against Obi and answer the questions hanging over his alleged criminal records.

In a statement signed on Saturday by Obidient Movement Director, Media and Communications Directorate, Onyeka Dike, he said the group will not be distracted by attempts to demonise its supporters, stressing that their focus remains on a New Nigeria where public officials are accountable, citizens can exercise their rights freely, and every human life matters.

According to him, Nigerians support candidates for different reasons, including their records, policy positions, integrity and vision for the country, saying that attempting to reduce a broad democratic movement to a separatist organisation is an insult to the intelligence of millions of citizens exercising their political rights.

The statement read: “The Obidient Movement condemns David Umahi’s attempt to associate Peter Obi with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an allegation contradicted by IPOB’s own public statements and its history of hostility towards Obi’s political ambitions.

“In August 2022, IPOB explicitly declared that it had nothing in common with Peter Obi, accused him of playing what it called “dirty Nigerian politics,” and warned politicians against linking the organisation to his presidential campaign. In July 2022, it had similarly disowned his presidential bid and insisted that Obi was neither a member nor a supporter of its separatist cause.

“So, what exactly is Umahi trying to achieve by resurrecting an allegation that IPOB itself has repeatedly rejected?
If Umahi is suggesting that the millions of Nigerians who support Peter Obi are members of IPOB, he should provide evidence rather than throw reckless allegations into public discourse. If he means that a substantial proportion of South Easterners who support Obi belong to IPOB, he should state that claim clearly and produce verifiable evidence. He cannot casually smear an entire political movement and expect Nigerians to accept his assertions without scrutiny. Support for Peter Obi is not proof of membership in IPOB.

“Nigerians support candidates for different reasons, including their records, policy positions, integrity and vision for the country. Attempting to reduce a broad democratic movement to a separatist organisation is an insult to the intelligence of millions of citizens exercising their political rights.

“Indeed, Peter Obi has publicly condemned violence associated with enforced sit-at-home orders and has called for dialogue and lawful solutions to the insecurity affecting the South East. His political position cannot honestly be reduced to an association that IPOB itself has repeatedly denied.

“Umahi should stop pointing accusing fingers at others while questions about his criminal records remain unanswered.

“Over the years, serious allegations have been made against Umahi concerning violence and killings in Ebonyi State. Such allegations must be investigated on their evidence and merits, rather than dismissed or weaponised according to political convenience.

“The circumstances surrounding the five NELAN Consulting Engineers who disappeared in Ebonyi State in November 2021, after a disagreement with David Umahi during his tenure as governor of Ebonyi State remain unresolved. Umahi later publicly said they had been killed, but their families have continued to demand answers and challenge aspects of the official account. Umahi seems to know more than the security agencies are interested in investigating.

“Also, the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old member of the medical team attached to Umahi, also demand transparency. Habila died at Umahi’s residence in Ebonyi State on June 27, 2026. The police announced an investigation and said a post-mortem examination was necessary to establish the cause of death. Ever since then, the case appears to have been swept under the carpet and has suddenly disappeared from public scrutiny.

“The wider crisis of insecurity in the South-East also demands honest leadership.

“Communities have suffered killings, threats, disruption of businesses and fear, instigated by thugs affiliated with people like Umahi who believe in violence as a means of holding political power. Some of those thugs were recently killed by security forces in Ebonyi, Umahi’s home state, when they attacked the NDC House of Assembly Candidate for Ezza South Constituency, Mr. Rollins Offia Nwali.

“Umahi must understand that criticism of Peter Obi does not erase the questions Nigerians are entitled to ask about his own record. Umahi should produce evidence for his allegations, support a transparent investigation into Mary Habila’s death and the deaths of the NELAN 5, and answer legitimate questions about his record. Nigerians deserve facts, accountability and security, not political smears.

“The Obidient Movement will not be distracted by attempts to demonise its supporters. Our focus remains on a New Nigeria where public officials are accountable, citizens can exercise their rights freely, and every human life matters.”

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